HWKN designed the new pavilion to act as a welcoming center and landmark for the Fire Island community. Perched on the harbor’s edge, the Fire Island Pines welcomes visitors shuttling in from the city on the Fire Island Ferry. The façade’s triangular frames are meant to be seen from a distance, while creating intimate gathering areas on the shore.

The Pines’ first floor includes a Welcome Bar and meeting area, accessible by residents and visitors. The second floor features the dance club and 2,600 sq. ft. open terrace. Inside the club, giant skylights give views of the starry sky as well as flood the room with natural daylight for day time events. The dancefloor also features a giant retractable roof, which eliminates the need for artificial air conditioning on clear nights.

The exterior of the pavilion was made to minimize materials, thus highlighting raw construction, and leaving the Pines’ social aspect to take center stage. The new pavilion, which kicks off the area’s 60th anniversary, was designed with its patrons, who sent hundreds of emails and calls weighing in on what they wanted in a new pavilion center, in mind.